CarRecallWatchThe 2002 BMW 540i has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 crash.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (5 reports).
2002 BMW 540i recalls
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
Certain BMW vehicles from 2000 to 2004 that have the optional sports steering wheel may have a driver-side frontal airbag inflator that can explode.
Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments
The driver's frontal air bag inflator can be affected by moisture over time.
Most common 2002 BMW 540i problems
Problem areas named in the 12 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Steering | 5 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Air Bags | 2 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 1 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 540I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS AT A STOP SIGN, IT WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. *BF *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK TEN ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED AT LEAST THIRTY TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 540I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ...UPDATED 09/14/16 *BF UPDATED 10/18/16.*JB
THE PLASTIC COVERS ON THE HEADLIGHTS OF MY BMW BECAME CRAZED/FROSTED. EVERY BMW OF THIS VINTAGE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. I SHOWED THIS TO OCCUR IN 2010 AT 100,000 MILES, BUT IN FACT IT WAS A STEADY DEGRADATION OVER SEVERAL YEARS. IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE, BECAUSE THE LIGHT OUTPUT IS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED. CAUSING RISK AT NORMAL HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IN ADDITION, THE CRAZING/FROSTING RESULTS IN ADDITIONAL GLARE TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I ASKED ABOUT RECALLS/REPLACEMENT PROGRAM FOR THIS DEFECT AT MY LOCAL BMW DEALER; THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN DISMISSED IT AS A NORMAL AGING ISSUE. I STRONGLY DISAGREE. A CAR OF THIS PRICE, OR ANY PRICE, SHOULD HAVE HEADLIGHTS THAT LAST LONGER THAN A FEW YEARS. I REPLACE
POWER STEERING PUMP MOUNTING BRACKETS BROKE OFF ( ON A POWER STEERING PUMP ITSELF), CAR THUS LOST POWER STEERING, BELT GOT OFF, IN A TURN IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DISASTER , SOMEHOW I WAS ABLE TO STEER IT CLEAR IN A TURN. I GUESS I WAS LUCKY.
2002 BMW 540i questions
Does the 2002 BMW 540i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2002 BMW 540i: Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Driver air bag may rupture and spray metal fragments. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 540i?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (5), Steering (5), Engine (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2002 BMW 540i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.